The association recognizes safety achievements in the shortline railroad industry for railroads that achieved injury-free operations or an injury frequency rate in 2012 that is less than or equal to the industry average compiled by the Federal Railroad Administration.

Last year, CBR won the award for injury-free start-up operations. The shortline's 12 employees operate weekly freight train service, connecting the region's manufacturers to the North American freight rail system through Class 1 connections at Eugene, Ore. Currently, the Coos Bay rail line is undergoing $31 million in repairs and upgrades.

"In the 15 months since the rail line's start-up and throughout the reconstruction project, it's been imperative for us to keep the focus on safety," said CBR General Manager Tom Foster. "The CBR team members have managed operations efficiently and grown business on the line, all the while, without a single lost day due to injury. I'm proud of every employee."